How to get there

Navigating Your Journey to San Sebastian: A Traveler's Guide from North America

Updated Sun, Jun 22, 2025

Fly to Bilbao, then take a bus to San Sebastian. Alternatively, connect through Madrid or Barcelona for a direct flight to the city.

Navigating Your Journey to San Sebastian: A Traveler's Guide from North America

Overview

Ease of getting there

Reaching San Sebastian from North America requires a bit of planning, but the journey is well worth it. Most travelers fly into Bilbao Airport, the nearest major international hub, about 100 km away. From there, a convenient bus service takes you directly to San Sebastian in about 70 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly to Madrid or Barcelona and catch a connecting flight to San Sebastian's smaller airport. For a scenic route, consider taking the train from Madrid or Barcelona, which offers stunning views of the Spanish countryside. Remember, San Sebastian is a popular destination, so book your travel well in advance, especially during peak summer months.

Customs and immigration

Spain uses the automated border control system for EU/EEA citizens. US and Canadian travelers use manual passport control. Wait times vary but are generally under an hour. Have your passport and any required visas ready. Spanish customs are straightforward, with nothing unusual to declare for most tourists.

Flights from the US / Canada

Major US and Canadian cities like New York, Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal offer flights to Bilbao via European hubs. Airlines such as Iberia, Air France, and Lufthansa operate these routes. Flights typically run daily during peak season, less frequently in winter.

From airport to city center

From Bilbao Airport, the PESA bus service runs directly to San Sebastian every hour, taking about 70 minutes. If arriving in Madrid or Barcelona, you can take a domestic flight to San Sebastian Airport, or opt for a train journey. The train from Madrid takes about 5.5 hours, while from Barcelona it's around 5 hours.

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Get intelligent daily schedules that adapt to you

Access to your entire trip, mobile optimized and easy to navigate

Save time with optimized routes and nearby suggestions

Switch plans when weather or energy levels change

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